In politics, nothing is more important than a vision. For, it's the vision which defines our existence and gives a purpose to our lives. And Prakash Karat, General Secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist) found his natural calling way back in 1960s when he joined the party with a vision of his own. It's therefore, not surprising that Karat ushered in a new generational change within the CPI (M) and as a behind-the-scenes politician, played a crucial role in the revival of the party. He was also instrumental in brokering the alliance with the Congress-led UPA Government and has brought in a new sense of respect for the party. In fact, 56-year-old Prakash Karat has always been at the forefront of the Communist movement in India for decades. A visionary and a charismatic leader, Karat who is married to social activist and party colleague Brinda, joined the Left movement way back in 1960s when he was a student of Madras Christian College. Karat later went to the University of Edinburgh for his higher studies but was rusticated for anti-apartheid protests. He was subsequently taken back on good behaviour. After coming to India, Karat founded the Students Federation of India at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and joined the CPI (M) in 1970 and worked as an aide to A K Gopalan. Karat who was elected to the CPI (M) central Committee in 1985 and as the General Secretary of the party in 2005 worked underground for one-and-a-half-years during the Emergency rule and was arrested twice. Over the years Karat kept a low profile but emerged as one of the most influential leaders of the party. Articulate, suave and committed to party ideology, Karat has also been a member of the Editorial Board of The Marxist', theoretical journal of the CPI(M) and served as the Managing Director of Left Word Books, a leading Leftwing publishing house. An author par excellence, Karat has penned books such as Language, Nationality and Politics in India (1972) and edited "A World to Win" Essays on the Communist Manifesto and edited 'Across Time and Continents: A tribute to Victor Kiernan'. A 22 Karat gold for the CPI(M), Karat has been the crowning jewel not only of the Communist Party but also of Indian politics. An orator and a brilliant statesman, Karat has made a deep imprint on the Indian politics. He is surely here to stay.